Erie County Sheriff Chris Campinelli will debut a new mobile licensing program tonight, bringing concealed carry permit services directly to residents across the county.
The sheriff and his team will hold their first mobile session from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at VFW Post 264, 1151 Mead Ave., Corry. The program allows residents to apply for new concealed carry permits or renew existing ones without traveling to the sheriff’s office.
“We know it is difficult for people to get to the sheriff’s office, as most people are working when we’re open,” Campinelli said. “We don’t want people to have to take time off from work just to get a new permit or a permit renewed.”
The mobile program, which Campinelli hopes will operate twice monthly, enables citizens to complete applications, pay fees and have photos taken on-site. Permits will then be mailed to applicants.
“The only thing we can’t do is create the permit right there,” Campinelli explained.
The sheriff developed the program after consulting with colleagues in other counties who have implemented similar services.
“I had spoken to sheriffs from a few other counties that do this program,” Campinelli said. “They said it works well.”
The mobile unit can operate in any location with internet access, including municipal buildings, fire departments and community centers like the VFW, where equipment will be set up inside.
“I have a great team working on this,” Campinelli said. “I know there will be bugs to work out, but I think this will be a beneficial program for the county.”